If you're considering upgrading to AMD, the timing couldn't be better. Earlier this year, AMD introduced the Ryzen 7 9800X3D, and now they've launched the higher-end Ryzen 9 models in the Zen 5 "X3D" series: the 9950X3D at $699 and the 9900X3D at $599. These processors are currently the top gaming chips available from both AMD and Intel. For dedicated gamers, the 9800X3D offers excellent value, freeing up funds for other components. However, creators who also enjoy gaming will find the Ryzen 9 processors particularly appealing, thanks to their higher core counts and increased cache, which significantly boost performance.
Note: These processors are frequently in and out of stock, with more time spent out of stock unfortunately.
The Creator's Choice: AMD Ryzen 9 9950X3D CPU
AMD Ryzen 9 9950X3D AM5 Desktop Processor
- $699.00 at Amazon
- $699.00 at Best Buy
- $699.00 at Newegg
Creative professionals seeking top-tier gaming performance should look no further than the 9950X3D. With a max boost clock of 5.7GHz, 16 cores, 32 threads, and 144MB of L2-L3 cache, this CPU is a powerhouse. While it edges out the 9800X3D in gaming by only a few percentage points, it excels in productivity tasks, outpacing both other Zen 5 X3D chips and Intel's offerings.
AMD Ryzen 9 9950X3D Review by Jacqueline Thomas
"The AMD Ryzen 9 9950X3D is currently the most powerful gaming processor on the market, but it doesn't dominate every other chip. For most users, the Ryzen 7 9800X3D, priced at a much more affordable $479, is sufficient. The 9950X3D is ideal for gamers who also use creative apps like Photoshop and Premiere, where it offers a 15% performance improvement over the 9800X3D. For a purely gaming-focused build, consider saving the $220 difference for a better graphics card."
The Gamer's Choice: AMD Ryzen 7 9800X3D CPU
AMD Ryzen 7 9800X3D AM5 Desktop Processor
- $479.00 at Amazon
- $479.00 at Best Buy
- $479.00 at Newegg
AMD's X3D series processors, enhanced with 3D V-Cache technology, are optimized for gaming. Although all three CPUs share the same 3D V-cache configuration, their gaming performance is nearly identical, with minor variations due to clock speed differences. The Ryzen 7 9800X3D, with a max boost clock of 5.2GHz, 8 cores, 16 threads, and 104MB of L2-L3 cache, is a beast for gaming at its price point. While capable of handling multitasking and creative tasks, its core count makes it less ideal for those purposes.
AMD Ryzen 7 9800X3D Review by Jacqueline Thomas
"The AMD Ryzen 7 9800X3D excels in gaming, making it a strong recommendation over other recent processors like the Intel Core Ultra 9 285K or Ryzen 9 9900X. When paired with a powerful graphics card, the 9800X3D maximizes GPU performance, delivering top-notch gaming experiences."
The Middleman: AMD Ryzen 9 9900X3D CPU
AMD Ryzen 9 9900X3D AM5 Desktop Processor
- $599.00 at Amazon
- $599.00 at Best Buy
- $599.00 at Newegg
The Ryzen 9 9900X3D is the go-to choice for those involved in creative work who also enjoy gaming, yet need to stay within a budget. With a max boost clock of 5.5GHz, 12 cores, 24 threads, and 140MB of L2-L3 cache, it's expected to offer performance between the 9950X3D and 9800X3D in productivity tasks. Gaming performance should be similar across the three models.
AMD's Hot Streak with New CPUs and GPUs
If you've been holding off on Nvidia's Blackwell GPUs to assess AMD's latest offerings, you've made a wise decision. The AMD Radeon RX 9070 and RX 9070 XT are the new mid-range champions, delivering outstanding performance at competitive prices. The Radeon RX 9070 starts at $550, while the RX 9070 XT starts at $600, though prices may vary due to manufacturer adjustments. Check out our reviews for detailed benchmarks on the Radeon RX 9070 and Radeon RX 9070 XT.
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